Irish Defense Forces join 'Fighting 69th' in NYC

NEW YORK - Members of the Irish Defense Forces 58th Reserve Infantry Battalion render honors as Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment pass outside Saint Patrick's Cathedral following the mass of Saint Patrick in New York City March 17. The 69th Infantry, famous for its part of the Civil War's Irish Brigade, has long historic ties to its Irish heritage. The 69th Infantry has led the city's Saint Patrick's Day parade up 5th Avenue for the past 159 years.